Copper 'bird skull' tie pin...an outfit.

Over the years, I have somehow developed a fascination with the imagery of skulls, taxidermy, and the controversial tradition of hunting.
This tie pin by Frankii Tonge celebrates the haunting beauty of a bird skull. 

Available from Tout Nouveau, £50.
Team with a crisp white shirt, tweed tie and classic brown suit for a hunting-inspired look.

Tweed tie available from Topman, £10.

Mocha slim fit suit, Asos, now £76.

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Mugler's ad campaign AW11

Rick Genest aka 'Zombie Boy', shot by Nicola Formichetti

for Thierry Mugler AW11.

One word. Amazing.

A Brief History of: Brothel Creepers

 

TUK Mondo High Soled Creeper, 

£60.

I've had a fascination with 'Brothel Creepers', or 'Creepers' since I was about 10 when I remember going with my Dad to buy a pair. They are an iconic men's shoe style that has been having a bit of a rise in popularity. But whats the story, and how did these beauties come to be?

Creepers were originally developed by British shoe maker George Cox in 1949. 

He drew inspiration from the thick, crepe-soled boots of soldiers posted to deserts that, post-war, ex-soldiers started to sport at undesireable London nightspots.

The Creepers began to gain popularity with young Teddy Boys in the 1950's, and then had a massive surge in popularity in the 1970's as the Teddy Boy look suffered a revival. As the look became more extreme, the sole of the creepers seemingly did too!

One notable wearer of Creepers in the 1970's was, of course, Malcolm Mclaren.

Today, Creepers have been adopted for wear by all sorts of subcultures and fashion tribes and have become so sartorially popular that in recent seasons they have been seen reinvented on the catwalks of Fashion Week.

Prada's SS11 show featured shoes derived from a Creeper's shape, but mixing elements

of brogue, espadrille and even the trainer.

The company of George Cox is still producing Creepers to this day, and is continuing to innovate their classic Creeper. Their current collection for Oki-Ni is testament to the shoemakers versatility and continued innovation.

The Suede Creeper Boot is a fresh alternative to the classic creeper,

£170 from Oki-Ni.

 What are your opinions on the Brothel Creeper?
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Summer shirts: Topman's yacht print beauty.

Topman is currently delighting me with the amazing new season shirts in stock. This yacht print shirt is my current favourite, reminiscent of a chap holidaying in the 1950’s. Team with a pair of classic readers or sunglasses, chinos with the hem rolled, and some boat shoes for a smart summer look.

 

100% cotton.

Available from Topman.

£26

Pip pip chaps! x

Dapper Man: My Dad.

He's a bit of a sharp dresser....think country gent crossed with dickensian urchin.

So, these are just a couple of images of my biggest style icon, Daddy Johnson:

 

Pocketwatch chain, waistcoat, flat cap and kneckerchief .

 

My Dad, sporting his tweed plus fours.

 

A very young Daddy Johnson in his Bauhaus phase!

 

This is a picture of my Dad having his 'proud father' moment at my menswear degree final show.

So consider this my 'proud daughter' moment!

Pip pip! xx

"There are certain classic clothes which have a place in history, but a timeless appeal. Created in the past, they are still worn in the present. They have the look, the construction and the tradition that makes them absolutely right."

-Paul Keers, A Gentleman’s Wardrobe, (London, Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 1988) 8.